ragweed":3g3qipf6 said:
just wondering if buying some purebreds. would you look to see if the heifers or cows have the look you want or would you look at epds and buy based on them. planning on learning aiing so you could improve on traits with diff bulls right. just thinking on improving herd quality. and looking for opinions. thinking about black simmentals.
Your question is one that every breeder
should consider every time he plans to select an animal for his herd, whether it
involves a purchase from a sale, or private treaty, or whether he is replacing one in his own herd
from his own herd!
All of the various Breed Associations have established EPD's, which are a
help to the buyer in making selection decisions, however the buyer must determine in his own mind what his requirements are for the animals involved, and what his goals are. Is he seeking Maternal traits and Characteristics ONLY, or is he seeking Terminal (feedlot, or meatcase end products) ONLY, - OR - is he trying to fill
BOTH Production (Maternal) AND Carcass (Terminal) seedstock producers with one type of animal? That places the buyer in the same position as a cat on a hot tin roof trying to cover his "Potty Box" accomplishments! It can't be done without burning his paws!
The trouble that
most beef cattle producers augur themselves into is not establishing a solid, set image in their minds about just exactly what they are seeking - BEFORE they start looking. They see a collection of terrific-looking cattle, listen to the blather of the auctioneer who tells them what they need (whether they do or not), and they become totally flummoxed, and forget what they really came to the sale to buy. Know in advance what you are focusing on to buy, and DO NOT MAKE DECISIONS based on
Single Trait selections! Be certain that the animal(s) that you finally decide to buy are acceptable to
your needs in four or five different areas - such as Calving Ease, Weaning Weight, Yearling Weight, Milk production of the
Dam (if you are seeking a Maternal animal. If you are seeking a Terminal animal, the Milk EPD is not necessary to be considered). Also consider Marbling and Rib Eye Area with BOTH seedstock and feedlot candidates. THAT is why Multiple Trait Selection protocols are so important. Most good Business Trainers tell their students to "Plan Your Work, and Work Your Plan!" That is good advice in the selection Beef Cattle!
DOC HARRIS